“Blacks needed a place where they could drink and not have to hide.” This was the motivation that led to the creation of one of Charlotte’s most beloved landmarks - The Excelsior Club. An exclusive, membership-only nightclub, the Excelsior Club was founded in 1944 by Jimmie McKee. It was the leading private black social club for many years, catering to Charlotte’s black professional middle-class: doctors, lawyers, educators, ministers, businessmen, and political leaders.
It is more than a music hall. It’s a physical acknowledgment of our people’s history and has felt like home away from home in the hearts of many. A place for us to come together, Excelsior has served as a center for politics,
a space to plan protest, a space for movers and shakers. Standing room only crowds have infiltrated the club to see internationally known Black musicians such as Nat “King” Cole, Louis Armstrong, James Brown, and Sam Cooke.
This is the concept video for the gift shop at the National Museum of African American music in Nashville, TN.
This project was born out of the belief that arts and culture are an essential part of a vibrant, healthy, thriving community. While arts and culture are not a magic potion for broader social problems, cultural assets play a huge role in a neighborhood's well-being. Less-advantaged communities have a stronger correlation between the prevalence of cultural resources and social well-being than wealthier communities.
CCC is a study as to what this resource could look like in the West End of Cincinnati. This center's goal is to be a catalyst in the community, empowering people through opportunity, education, and mentorship.
Globally recognized as the “Birthplace of Aviation,” the great state of Ohio is home to a diverse pantheon of trailblazing aviators and astronauts, advocates and entrepreneurs, inventors and engineers, and others whose enduring contributions and distinguished service have put Ohio at the forefront of flight since the first powered flight in 1903.
Serving to connect students, scholars and visitors with the compelling achievements of Ohioans like the Wright Brothers, Eddie Rickenbacker, John Glenn, Jerrie Mock, and Neil Armstrong – to name but a few, Ohio Air & Space will be an education force-multiplier for all ages.